| [Editor's Note: Throughout this column you'll find photos, artwork, and even complete comics! You can click on all of 'em to view bigger versions.]
If you're reading this fine piece of writing, you're one of two types of people. The first is the smaller group: those who have already heard of me, read my comics, and thusly know who the hell I am. In which case, you're already primed for what this column will be about.
The second group of folks is quite a vast one indeed -- people who have ZERO idea who I am. Those people will of course need answers to the following questions: "Who am I, what have I done to deserve this, and why the hell should you listen to me anyway?" With out anymore fanfare, I'll dive into that tank of sharks.
So let's get started, shall we?
(1) Who is this guy?
 Ah yes, the simple stuff first. My name is Drew Edwards, and I'm 27 years old. I am a writer, snappy dresser, and a Texan. My "Texaness" is a point you will either find endearing or annoying. It's just like that. Trust me.
I currently live in Dallas, a land famous for yuppies, cowboys, strippers, and bullet-ridden Presidents. Here I was recently married (on Halloween no less) to my lovely soul mate, Jami -- someone whom you will learn more about at this column continues.
I think that about sums up "the who." At least for now. By the end of the year, you'll have a belly full of me. Again... trust me. |
(2) What has he done to deserve this?
 Waaaaaay back in the late 1990's, I created a little web comic called "Halloween Man." It chronicles the stories of a super powered ghoul, his glamorous (but eccentric) inventor girlfriend, and a host of other characters. Against all odds "Halloween Man" has not only endured, but become a small level critical darling. It's branched out into anthology magazines, small press, and various other forms.
While mainstream success has always somehow eluded the comic, it's gained a loyal cult following, with some fans even actually donating their time and creative energy to keep the comic going. So what started as a small story about true love and zombies has evolved into something that has invaded the minds of thousands (well more like dozens) of people.
 I'm sure you've heard many a comic creator talk about staying up nights working on their labor of love. So I won't bore you to much with the details of that aspect of my life... yet. (There's a future column here). But needless to say the comic is something that's grown from a hobby to a major time-consuming effort.
I work non-stop on the comic all day. Even when it looks like I'm working on something else, I'm probably thinking about the comic. It's a full time job coupled with the all the stresses of real life and yes... sometimes "other jobs."
I'm not yet rich off it, despite many efforts aimed at such a lofty goal. So I'll aim yet another cliché at your head:
I do this because I love it, and I feel it has value. I do it because other people have put their faith in me, and I want to make good on their faith. And now I'm doing it so that, hopefully, you can learn something -- so maybe your road will be a little easier than mine, dear reader.
 
So with that taken into account...
(3) Why the hell should you listen this guy?
Over the course of this column I hope to give everyone a "geek's eye view" of how it feels to be in the small press. I hope I can address some people's misconceptions about self publishing, demystify the process, and possibly help others to get their own comics out there.
That said, you certainly don't have to listen to me. I make no claim that my way is the right way or the only way. These are simply the tricks that have kept me a float over the years. If they can help others, then great. I've done something right. But believe me when I say that NO ONE is an expert at this stuff.
At the start I was just making things up as I went along. Sometimes I still do.
What I do promise is that this column will be entertaining, amusing, and informative on a few levels. To those who are already fans, you're loyality will be rewarded. (I promise.) To those who aren't, get ready to see another side of comics. A world that's glamorous, ghoulish, and geeky all at the same time. It's my world, and I'm going to drag you down into the dirt with me. It'll be worth the trip.
Now that all that jazz is out of the way, we can get started. Hopefully you'll be back next month. I know I will.
Drew Edwards is the writer/creator of the long-running "Halloween Man comics." He is considered one of the most outspoken and interesting writers in today's small press. But deep down he'd just like to sell out and write Fantastic Four for a nice paycheck. Visit the Halloween Man website by clicking here or on this enormous logo:
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